Tiandiren

Example Female Names: Lian Xiu, Hou Xuegang, Tao Xiangling, Liu Xingyue

Example Male Names: Zhao Bingwen, Wu Dawei, Lu Youyi, Yang Feng

The Tiandiren follow Chinese naming conventions, with the surname preceding the given name.

The Kingdom of Heaven and Earth is a land steeped in tradition, with no signs of adaptation to more modern times. A nation-wide belief that Tiandiren culture and tradition is the most refined permeates through many of its inhabitants, though the occasional skeptic does arise on occasion. Every child is taught the value of commerce and contract, and is subsequently raised to pursue a life that will ultimately benefit the nation as a whole. Whether or not they find personal success in the process is secondary, but respect is given to those who have made honest fortunes.   Tiandiren social society is intricate and difficult to maneuver, with family and blood being enough to determine one’s fate in life. Certain positions are occupied by the same bloodline for generation after generation. However, in matters of crafts and trade, an entirely different world exists. A splendid, ruthless meritocracy, where fortunes can be made and lost in a matter of days, awaits for those who delve into skilled work or business. Those on top of the world can end up rock bottom, and those living on nothing can find themselves the owner of vast riches. Regardless of the result, the nation benefits greatly from such fierce competition, and continues, as it has since its founding, to encourage it.   Almost all Tiandiren speak Tiandiwen and Common.

Religion

As with all Lotus State nations, Tiandi derives its main belief system from the Great Cosmic Dragon. Their particular name for the entity is Shen Long (Divine Dragon). Their particular branch focuses on the belief that the conceptual hoard which the dragon protects exists in the material plane, with physical manifestations of these ‘perfect’ crystallizations existent and hidden away in some far corner of the world. As such, many religious practices involve the construction of shrines or temples to house ‘placeholder’ concepts on which to confer their wishes or prayers. Examples might include an offering place to the concept of Gold, in which the purest gold bar is kept as the closest example to the counterpart in the hoard. People would then flock to the aforementioned location in hopes of receiving good fortune in business ventures or trades. Ultimately, it is this unshakable faith that the fabled hoard is out in the world that drives the people to continue to innovate, develop, and chart unexplored territory.  

Family

Blood is the strongest bond in the nation of Tiandi, as it is from their blood in which the contracts with the divine are drawn. Sons are cherished, and daughters are doted upon. As children grow up, they are expected to care for their parents. Such is the way of life that has continued on for generation after generation: people setting their lives aside for familial obligations, and in turn receiving the same reverence and loyalty from their own offspring.  

Food

Inhabitants of Tiandi are fond of a folk story documenting the foolish death of a picky vulture, who refused to eat anything but certain parts of its scavenged meat. In the nation, no part goes to waste, with fish and animals being carefully divided up for different uses in a variety of dishes. From one cow alone, there might be no less than several different uses for the skin, meat, bones, and organs. Operating on this principle, however, does not come at the cost of taste or quality. Dishes often have the strong flavors of herbs and spices native to the region. Given the strong emphasis the nation has on agriculture, cuisine commonly implements a variety of vegetables and wheat products.

The Tiandiren, both male and female, wear a robe or shirt paired with a pleated skirt. Loose-fitting pants of soft material are sometimes seen in replacement of the aforementioned skirt. Designs and patterns are used to denote regionality and bloodline, while colors are used to denote occupation and social standing. The most common material used in clothes is silk, which is in great abundance within the nation. Those holding certain positions might consider more elegant wear (most often elaborate dresses) with additional adornments like feathers, flowers, or beads.  

Accessories

Given the special attention paid to Tiandiren garments, it only makes sense that the same fervor extends to other decorations. Common accessories include jewelry such as hairpins, bracelets, pendants, and rings. Those of greater wealth and status might carry around a large gemstone engraved with their family name, flanked by woven red weaves in a ribbon-like pattern. Paper fans are popular and often extensively decorated as well, often with characters symbolizing concepts such as ‘fortune’ and ‘indomitability’ or artwork of plants or animals. Depending on the season, the Tiandiren may opt for ornamental flowers as hair decor as well.

Art is the most common sink for the excess wealth of merchants and aristocrats. Members of high society (or simply those with sizable fortunes) will support and commission poets and playwrights to put out performances and readings for large audiences in the cities. Painters, calligraphers, tailors, and craftsmen often work underneath the nation’s government, or within the private employ of the wealthy.

The Tiandiren control no major settlements upon Anoma. Perhaps you can change this.
In the old world, Yue Cheng serves as the capital city and houses the reigning emperor or empress. A brilliant city built on the side of a river, its name means “Moon City.” The capital derives its name from the capacity to see the moon’s reflection on the surface of the tranquil waters. Eternally lit by its lanterns, the city is described as ‘nightless’ by poets and playwrights. With activity around every corner, there is no shortage of life in the bustling settlement.